Property and legal
What if there is no will?
Short answer
California's intestate succession laws determine who inherits. Spouse and children are first priority. If there is no spouse or children, it goes to parents, then siblings, then more distant relatives. The court appoints an administrator to manage the estate.
What this usually means
California's intestate succession laws determine who inherits. Spouse and children are first priority. If there is no spouse or children, it goes to parents, then siblings, then more distant relatives. The court appoints an administrator to manage the estate.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.